A Million Miles Away
Key Issues Raised:
Immigration and Identity: The film highlights the cultural, social, and economic challenges faced by José Hernández and his family, and the determination needed to overcome these barriers.
Resilience and Perseverance: José’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination in pursuing one’s dreams despite setbacks.
Inside NASA: Provides a unique look at NASA, showcasing the rigorous training and preparation required to become an astronaut.
Diversity and Inclusion: Highlights the need for inclusivity in STEM fields, underscoring the importance of including women and people of color in space exploration.
Socio-Emotional Learning: Through José’s story, students explore themes of self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making.
Curriculum Connections
Science and Technology:
- Inspiration in STEM Education: A Million Miles Away showcases the story of José Hernández, an astronaut who came from a background of migrant farm work, highlighting the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving STEM careers. This narrative can motivate students to pursue their interests in science and technology, providing a relatable and inspiring context that enhances lessons on space science and engineering principles.
- Space Exploration and Scientific Inquiry: By detailing José’s journey to becoming an astronaut, the film enhances students’ understanding of the scientific challenges and innovations in space exploration, complementing curriculum topics related to Earth and space sciences.
Social Studies:
- Cultural Diversity and Immigration: The film’s exploration of José’s Mexican heritage and his family’s background in agriculture offers a vivid example of how immigrants shape and enrich local and national communities. This ties into social studies discussions about the contributions of diverse groups to societal development and cultural richness.
- Understanding Global Perspectives: José’s story provides a platform for discussing broader issues of global interconnectivity and the universal themes of striving for better life conditions, pertinent to topics in geography and global studies.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL):
- Resilience and Goal Setting: José’s personal journey, from the fields to the stars, underscores key SEL competencies such as resilience, goal setting, self-management, and perseverance. The narrative helps students connect these competencies to real-life applications, demonstrating how personal qualities can drive success and fulfillment.
- Emotional Intelligence: The challenges and triumphs José experiences offer insights into managing emotions and setbacks, fostering discussions on emotional intelligence and its impact on personal and academic achievements.
Language Arts and Media Literacy:
- Analyzing Narrative and Media as Text: Students can engage in analyzing the film’s narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements, treating the film as a text to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. This approach supports language arts standards focused on text analysis and interpretation.
- Reflective Discussions and Critical Viewing: The film provides a basis for reflective discussions and writing exercises that help students articulate their thoughts on the film’s messages and themes. This practice enhances media literacy, enabling students to evaluate the effectiveness of visual and narrative techniques in conveying complex ideas.
Incorporating “A Million Miles Away” into the curriculum offers a multifaceted educational experience, enriching students’ understanding of key academic and life skills. Additional educational resources are available to further support exploration of these important themes and curriculum connections.